The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (the Centre) and its Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Business Events Alliance (KLCCBEA), supported by the KLCC Holdings Group, are coming together for the second Sustainable September launched today. Sustainable September aims to raise awareness of the KLCCBEA’s efforts to enhance the Kuala Lumpur City Centre Precinct’s position as a sustainable destination.
“Healthy Planet, Healthy You was selected as this year’s theme as it demonstrates the vital relationship between our surroundings and our health and wellbeing. How we conduct ourselves in our environment will return to impact us in the long run. An unhealthy lifestyle coupled with a poor attitude towards how we use plastics directly impacts our health and wellbeing,” said John Burke, General Manager of the Centre.
“Driving awareness towards sustainability is an ongoing effort and requires the dedication and commitment of various communities. We value the deep collaboration with the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Business Events Alliance. KLCC precinct hopes to establish itself as world-renowned SDG Hub for leisure and business, I encourage all of us to participate in the activities while making a positive impact to the communities and environment surrounding us.,” said Datuk Md Shah bin Mahmood, Director/Group Chief Executive Officer, KLCC (Holdings) Sdn Bhd.
Sustainable September’s first goal is to promote exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle and address obesity in Malaysia. Several activities are lined up throughout September, including Pound Fit and yoga. According to the Ministry of Health’s White Paper for Malaysia, the country has the highest prevalence of obesity in Southeast Asia. The report indicated that obesity is a strong signal of non-communicable disease (NCD) incidences. As the KLCC Park is an attraction for tourists, visitors, residents, and workers surrounding the precinct, it provides the right avenue to host open physical activities.
Its second goal is to increase awareness towards the importance of recycling. The UN Environmental Programme notes that 19-23 million tonnes of plastic waste leaks into aquatic ecosystems. According to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific’s Closing the Loop on Plastic Pollution in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Baseline Report, 161,000 tonnes of plastic waste are generated annually. Over 3,000 tonnes of plastics are emitted into the environment, and 653 tonnes enter waterways as marine litter every year. This results in the entry of microplastics into the Malaysian diet, with Malaysians consuming about 15 grammes of microplastics each month. Immediate action must be taken to cascade this awareness from the precinct to the rest of Malaysia.
2024 Sustainable September involves seven interacting UN SDG goals: (1) Goal 3: Good health and wellbeing, (2) Goal 11: sustainable cities and communities, (3) Goal 12: responsible consumption and production, (4) Goal 13: climate action, (5) Goal 14: live below water, (6) Goal 15: life on land, and (7) Goal 17: partnership for the goals.
“Sustainable September also highlights ongoing sustainable efforts by the Alliance partners. Activities aimed at positively impacting the communities allow us to give back to the community surrounding the precinct,” added John.
With the goal to leave a long-lasting impact, Sustainable September also incorporates a charity element that is designed to uplift the lives of people living in the city. The KLCCBEA and the precinct partners will work closely together with URBANICE Malaysia in its initiative to create liveable cities, with a legacy framework that will carry on in conjunction with the annual campaign.
“Every step towards sustainability counts,” concludes Datuk Md Shah, “What we launch at Sustainability September is an invitation for Malaysians to examine how we approach our planet and health. Sustainable efforts are not limited to a month’s effort but our micro habits and attitude towards our world and how we lead our lives. The collective commitment by KLCCBEA to Sustainable September is a testament to how significant impacts begin with small changes embraced by a larger community.”
